Family Vacation (Part 2): Newport

After a few days in Portland, we took the scenic route headed to Newport.  On our drive we ran into the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. Trust me if you saw this place you would stop too. 

The building above is an indoor waterpark! If you have kids and you happen to be on Highway 18 in Oregon, I think you should stop.

 My veteran was all smiles and so was Luna (the ice cream may have helped!). 

After our beautiful drive we arrived at our hotel, Hallmark Resort Newport. Its a great family resort, and romantic too!

We went to the Oregon Coast Aquarium which I highly recommend. Before you head to the aquarium stop for breakfast at Cafe Stephanie. They have good coffee, complimentary warm scones and delicious breakfast, and its walking distance to the beach.

Simply ahhhmazing! This aquarium is so beautiful and the play area was fun too. The brass turtle had me at hello.

Our drive back from the aquarium to our hotel was breathtaking. 

The remainder of our time in Newport was all about room service, beach time and movies. Plus our room had a full-size jacuzzi (Luna wanted to stay in the "pool!"). 

It was so hard to narrow down which photos to share because between my husband and I, we took 450+ photos! We created so many wonderful memories and these are only glimpses. I hope you enjoyed our Oregon vacation photos (here's part 1 in Portland in case you missed it). 

Oregon we miss you! 

Family Vacation (Part 1): Portland

As you all know, we recently returned from our weeklong vacation in Oregon.  It was our first real vacation as a family, and it was such a great choice. We had a wonderful time. 

We spent one night in Salem, Oregon, and in the morning we walked to the park and beautiful indoor carousel. 

Once we settled in Portland, I walked into the first restaurant we saw, Henry's 12th Street Tavern, and asked the hostess if it was kid-friendly, and when she said sure! I was sold. 

After our early dinner we headed to the mecca of bookstores, Powell's City of Books, and I am not exaggerating, I was in heaven. Give me coffee and drop me off here any day.  

Next day we went to breakfast at Slappy Cakes which is perfect for kids. Pancakes make people happy. 

The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry  had an epic kids play area, and as you can imagine, Luna did not want to leave.  

Portland is known as Bridgetown and many other nicknames.  The bridges were something else. 

I also fit in some me time and headed to Nob Hill on my own. I got lucky and found parking on this beautiful tree-lined street. 

I had a nice walk, browsed several shops, and bought a dress from Sloan Boutique. Before leaving I picked up burgers for my husband and Luna from Little Big Burger and fish tacos for me from Pepinos right next door.

We stayed at the Residence Inn RiverPlace which is a fantastic place to stay, especially for families.  I was happy we decided to stay in one night because Luna was a happy camper. For those of you who have yet to stay at a hotel or rental with your kids, no worries, pack post-its. After dinner shenanigans, included post-it crowns and airplanes. Luna thought it was the funniest thing ever. 

She made me keep this crown on until her bedtime, and as soon as I would try to sneak it off she would yell "No Mama you're the queen!"

Our last day in Portland, my husband went out before Luna and I woke up and picked up some Blue Star Donuts. My favorites were the lemon poppy seed and Mexican chocolate. I also had a vanilla latte made with almond cashew milk from Heart Coffee, and it was delicious. 

One of my favorite things to do after breakfast was our walks along the river front. As you all know Luna loves dogs and rocks so these walks were her jam.   

Portland is a wonderful city. Oregon is beautiful, and I am so glad we chose to stay in three different cities and really got to explore. It felt like one happy adventure after another. I can't wait to share the last portion of our vacation which we spent on the Oregon coast in the city of Newport. 

Guess what!? Oregon here we come...

Guess what in  about 11 days (who's counting!) we are heading up the Northern California coast to Oregon.  

We are excited, and admittedly I am a bit nervous too because I an overthinker.  

Here are glimpses of some of what we hope to see and do.

In Salem, Oregon we want to check out Riverfront Park and the Carousel. 

In Portland, we are staying near the waterfront so we might rent bikes.  I definitely want to hit up Powell's Books, Stumptown Coffee and Pok Pok (not pictured Blue Star Donuts!). We are also hoping to go to toddler-friendly places like the OSMI and the Japanese Gardens.  

Lastly, in Newport, our main goal is to simply relax and stare at the ocean from our hotel room! We are definitely hitting up the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and I am certain Luna is going to love it. 

If you have any places you would like to add to our list, please let me know. Wishing us luck would be great too!